Hypodermic ampoule syringe



2 sheetsrsneetl INVENTOR.

Oct. 3, 1950 A. E. SMITH HYPODERMIC AMPOULE SYRINGE Filed March 8, 1948 Patented Oct. 3, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,524,367 HYPODERMIC AMPOULE SYRIN GE Arthur E. Smith, Los Angeles, Calif. Application March 8, 1948, Serial No. 13,594

(Cl. 12S-218) 10 Claims.

This invention relates to a hypodermic ampule syringe.

The general object of the invention is to provide an improved hypodermic ampule syringe by means of which drugs of various character may be injected.

A further object of the invention is to provide an ampule syringe including a barrel having a novel front end construction thereon.

Another object of the invention. is to provide a syringe including a barrel having a novel rear closure thereon.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an ampule syringe having a novel piston stopper.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel means for connecting a plunger to an ampule piston stopper.

Another object of the invention is to provide a syringe wherein an ampule is employed and wherein the ampule includes a novel front stopper member.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation showing a syringe ampule embodying the features of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing the side loading syringe barrel and associated parts;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged, longitudinal, central, sectional View showing my syringe with the ampule in place in the syringe barrel;

Fig. 4 is a section taken on line 4--4, Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a section taken on line 5-5, Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the ampule front closure pierced by the needle;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6, with parts in elevation, after the contents of the syringe have been discharged;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a modification of my invention;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 showing the parts in another position,

Fig. 10 is a side elevation. showing the manner in which the ampule is inserted into the syringe barrel, and

Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional detail showing the front end of the barrel.

Referring to the drawing by reference characters, I have shown `my invention as embodied in a hypodermic ampule syringe which is indicated generally at I0. As shown the syringe is of the side loading type and includes a barrel member Il which is of general cylindrical shape and at 2 one side has a viewing slot I2. At the other side the barrel has an elongated slot I3 which is of a size to receive an ampule I4', to be later described.

The slot I3 as shown has parallel side walls I4 and at its forward end includes shoulder portions I5 which merge into tapered slot edges I6. The latter terminate in a narrow slot which has parallel side walls I l. The barrel may be made as a die casting or in any other desired manner and is shown as tapered at its front end as at IB..

At the rear end of the narrow portion Il of the slot, the body includes a seat I9 for a ball 2U on a hypodermic needle 2|. The needle has a forwardly sharpenedtip 22 and a rearwardly sharpened tip 23. The seat I9 includes a hemispherical portion 24 which inwardly terminates in a short cylindrical portion 25. The con-struction is such that when the needle is seated in the barrel the ball 20 engaging the seat portion 24 prevents lateral movement of the ball and consequently prevents lateral movement of the needle due to the cylindrical portion 25.

Adjacent to the rear end the barrel is provided with a finger-engaging4 ange 23 while the rear portion 2l of the barrel is slightly enlarged and at its extreme innerend is internally threaded as at 28.

The threads 28 engage external threads 29 on a collar 30 which has a cylindrical end flange 3| engaging the end of the barrel. The collar is internally threaded as at 32 and in advance of the threads includes a cylindrical portion 33. The portion 33 serves as a guide for a cylindrical holding member 40. The forward end of the holding memberl 40 is enlarged as at 4I and is beveled as at 42 on its end face to engage and center the ampule I4', as will be presently described. Near its outer end the holding member is threaded eX- ternally as at 43 to engage the threads 32 previously described. The holding member includes a reduced end portion 45 which engages in a bore 46 in a cap member 4l and is brazed in place. The cap member 4l includes a skirt 43 which is slightly larger than the diameter of the flange 3| and the enlarged portion 21 of the syringe barrel so that the skirt 48 may slide along the barrel from the position shown in Fig. 3 to the position shown in Fig. 6.

The holding member 4H serves as a guide for a plunger 5U vwhich has a threaded 1outer end 5I threadedl'y engaging a thumb member 52 by means of which the plunger may be operated. At its forward end the plunger includes a flange forming shoulder 53 which engages a shoulder 51 formed by an enlarged portion 5B and in advance of the shoulder includes a reduced stem 54 which terminates in a transverse blade-like head 55.

The parts, including the barrel, holding member, cap member and plunger are assembled in the position shown in Fig. 2 and are then adapted to receive the ampule |4. The ampule Hl consists of a cylindrical tube, preferably made of glass or plastic, having planar iront and rear ends Bil and 6l. Within the iront end I arrange a cylindrical stopper 62 which may be made of rubber and which includes an external flange 63 and a tapering, forwardly extending-tip Sil, the outer end of which is provided with a hemispherical seat S adapted to engage the ball'20 when the ampule is advanced forwardly in the barrel.

The stopper 52 includes a recess 6G which is coaxial with the axis of the stopper and extends inwardly from the seat 65. The stopper also includes a second recess 51, coaxial with the recess At its "inner end the ampule includes a piston stopper B8 which has peripheral beads |59 thereon. VThe stopper 68 includes a transverse slot 10 which extends inwardly and at the inner end thereof communicates with sector shaped recesses 1|. The recesses 1| are of a depth to receive the head 55 and the construction is such that when the plunger is moved forwardly the head 55 will enter the slot 10 and move in this slot until it is aligned with the sector shapedrecesses 1 I, whereupon forward movement of the plunger will cease due to engagement with the end wall I2 of the piston stopper. The plunger may then be turned to substantially 90u so that the member 55 will be locked to the piston stopper.

When the plunger is thus locked to the piston stopper, the shoulder 53 on the front end of the plunger engages and slightly presses against the rear end of the piston stopper to thus tightly lock the plunger against longitudinal movement relative to the stopper.

The stopper 62 includes a diaphragm portion 13 arranged between the recesses 50 and 61. The forward tip 64 of the ampule receives a removable cap 14 which prevents contamination .of the needle. In use the cap 1G is first removed and the ampule is placed in the barrel with the needle passing into the slot as shown in Fig. 10. The cap member 41 is then pushed forwardly, thus causing the centering mem-ber 6| to move forward so that the face 42 engages the rear end 6I of the ampule to center the latter. Forward movement of the ampule causes the pointed tip 23 on the needle to pass through the diaphragm portion 13, Ihis action continues until the diaphragm portion has been entirely pierced and the needle assumes the position shown in Fig. 6.

In this position the seat E5 on the tapered tip is engaged by the ball to thus firmly seat the ball against the hemispherioal recess i9 andat the same time to place the needle in communication with the contents of the ampule. The thumb member 52 and plunger 5B are then rotated until the head 55 is aligned with the-slot 10, whereupon the plunger is iirst moved inwardly in the slot and is then rotated through 90-, causing the plunger to be locked to the piston stopper.

The injection is then made and the thumb member 52 is pushed slightly forward and is then withdrawn. This causes the piston stopper first to advance slightly and when withdrawn, if blood is drawn into the ampule, it Will indicate the needle is in a blood vessel, whereuponjthe needle 4 is withdrawn and a fresh injection is made. When the needle is correctly inserted, the thumb member is pushed forwardly until the 'contents of the ampule have been discharged, whereupon the needle is withdrawn from the patient.

After the injection has been made the cap member 41 is released and moved outwardly. The used ampule is then withdrawn from the barrel. The needle 2| may be used repeatedly or there may be a separate needle provided for each ampule. Before the needle and ampule are inserted in the barrel, the tip 23 of the needle is preferably slightly inserted in the diaphragm 13 as shown in Fig. 3.

In Figs. 8 and 9, I show a modification of my invention wherein parts similar to those previously described have been designated by single primed reference numerals.

In the modification the stopper 62 has an axial recess |00 and a second recess |0| communicating with the recess |00. In the recess |00 I place a medicinal tablet |02 and in the recess |0| I arrange a disc |03. The ampule contains a vehicle for the medicinal tablet |02 so that when the latter is discharged into the vehicle a fresh solution is prepared. The front end of the barrel is rounded into a bullet shape as at |05.

In operating the modification shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the tip 23 on the inner end of the needle will engage the tablet |02 and will then engage and dislodge the disc |03 as the ampule is moved forward in the barrel and thus a fresh solution will be prepared. The disc |03 is made of material which is not affected -by the vehicle within the ampule or by the solution made when the drug is dissolved in the solution.

The operation of the modification is similar to that previously described in connection with the main embodiment of my invention.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that I have invented a novel hypodermic ampule syringe which can be economically manufactured and assembled and which. is highly efi'lcient for its intended purpose.

I-Iaving thus described my invention, I claim:

l. A hypodermic ampule syringe including a barrel, a plunger slidable in saidY barrel,` said plunger having a blade on its inner end, an ampule in said barrel, a piston closure in .said ampule, said piston closure having a transverse slot therein, said piston closure slot opening rear- Wardly, said piston closure having a pair of opposed arcuate slots communicating with said rlrst piston closure slot, and said blade being movable axially through said transverse slot and then rotatably in said arcuate slote.

2. A hypodermic ampule syringe including a barrel, a needle on said barrel, a plunger slidable in said barrel, said plunger at its inner end having a'reduced shank and having a diametricallyextending blade on said shank, an ampule in said barrel, a piston closure in said ampule, said piston closure having a transverse slotV therein, said piston closure slot opening outwardly, said piston closure having a pair of opposed arcuate slots communicating with said first piston closure slot, and said blade being movable axially in said transverse slot and then rotatably in said arcuate slots. Y

3. AY hypodermic ampule syringe including a barrel, a needleY on said barrel,a cap slidably mounted on the rear end of said barrel, a holding member mounted on said cap, said barrel having a sleeve therein at the rear end thereof,V said sleeve andholding member having cooperatamasar ving threads, said holding member having a beveled front face adapted to engage and center an ampule in said barrel, said holding member" having a cylindrical bore, and a plunger slidable in said bore, said plunger at its inner end having a shoulder, said holding member having a shoulder engageable by said plunger shoulder to limit outward movement of the plunger.

4. A hypodermic ampule syringe including a barrel, a needle in said barrel, a cap slidably mounted on the rear end of said barrel, a holding member mounted on said cap; said barrel having a sleeve therein at the rear end thereof, said sleeve and holding member having cooperating threads, said holding member having a beveled front face adapted to engage and center an ampule in said barrel, said holding member having a tubular bore, a plunger slidable in said bore, said plunger having a thumb engaging member on the outer end thereof, said plunger at its inner end having a shoulder, said holding member having a shoulder engageable by said plunger shoulder to limit outward movement of the plunger, said plunger at its inner end having a reduced shank and having a diametrically eX- tending blade at the end of said shank, an ampule in said barrel, said ampule having a closure at the front end thereof, said needle piercing said closure, a piston closure in said ampule, said piston closure having a transverse slot therein, said piston closure slot opening outwardly, said piston closure having a pair of opposed sector shaped slots communicating with said first piston closure slot, and said blade being movable axially in said transverse slot and then rotatably in said sector shaped slots.

5. A hypodermic ampule syringe including a barrel, said barrel having a front end portion, said front end portion having an inwardly facing seat, said front end portion having a needle receiving slot intersecting said seat, a plunger slidable in said barrel,A said plunger having a blade on its inner end, an ampule in said barrel, said ampule having a closure at the front end thereof, a needle having a member thereon engaging said seat, the inner end of said needle being adapted to pierce said closure, a piston closure in said ampule, said piston closure having a transverse slot therein, said piston closure slot opening rearwardly, said piston stopper having a pair of opposed arcuate slots communicating with said rst piston closure slot, and said blade being movable axially through said transverse slot and then rotatably in said arcuate slots.

6. A hypodermic ampule syringe including a barrel, said barrel having a longitudinal slot therein, said barrel having a front end portion thereon, said front end portion having an inwardly facing seat, said front end portion having a cylindrical portion at the inner end of said seat, said front end portion having a needle receiving slot intersecting said seat, a cap slidably mounted on the rear end of said barrel, a holding member mounted on said cap, said barrel having a sleeve therein at the rear end thereof, said sleeve and holding member having cooperating threads, said holding member having a tubular bore, a plunger slidable in said bore, means to limit outward movement of the plunger, said plunger at its inner end having a reduced shank and having a diametrically extending blade at the inner end of said shank, an ampule in said barrel, said ampule having a rubber closure at the front end thereof, said closure having an outwardly directed seat complemental to the seat in said front end section, said closure having an inner axial recess, a diaphragm at the inner end of said recesses, a needle having a member thereon engageable with said seats, the inner end of said needle piercing said diaphragm, a piston closure in said ampule, said piston closurev having a transverse slot therein, said piston closure slot opening rearwardly, said piston closure having a pair of opposed sector shaped slots communicating with said rst piston closure slot, and said blade being movable axially through said transverse slot and then rotatably in said sector shaped slots.

'7. A hypodermic ampule syringe including a barrel, said barrel having a front end portion thereon, said front end portion being internally tapered and having an inwardly facing seat, said front end portion having a needle receiving slot intersecting said seat, a plunger slidable in said barrel, said plunger at its inner end having a reduced shank and having a blade at the `inner end of said shank, an ampule in said barrel, said ampule having a rubber closure at the front end thereof, said closure having an outwardly directed seat complemental to the seat in said front end section, a needle having a protuberant meinber thereon engageable with said seats, the inner end of said needle piercing said closure, a piston closure in said ampule, said piston closure having a transverse slot therein,` said piston closure slot opening rearwardly, said piston closure having a pair of opposed sector shaped slots communieating with said first piston closure slot, and said blade being movable axially through said transverse slot and then rotatably in said sector shaped slots.

8. A hypodermic ampule syringe including a barrel, said barrel having a front end portion thereon, said front end portion being internally tapered and having a hernispherical inwardly facing seat, said front end portion having a needle receiving slot intersecting said seat, a cap slidably mounted on the rear end of said barrel, a holding member mounted on said cap, said barrel having a, sleeve mounted thereon at the rear end thereof, said holding member having a bore, a plunger slidable in said bore, said plunger at its inner end having a reduced shank and having a blade at the inner end of said shank, an ampule in said barrel, said ampule having a rubber closure at the front end thereof, said closure having an outwardly directed seat complemental to the seat in said front end section, a needle having a member thereon engageable with said seats, the inner end of said needle piercing said closure, a piston closure in said ampule, said piston closure having a transverse slot therein, said piston closure slot opening rearwardly, said piston closure having a pair of opposed sector shaped slots communicating with said first piston closure slot, and said blade being movable axially through said transverse slot and then rotatably 1n said sector shaped slots.

9. A hypodermic ampule syringe including a barrel, said barrel having a longitudinal slot therein, said barrel having a front end portion thereon, said front end portion being internally tapered and having a hemispherical inwardly facing seat, said front end portion having a cylindrical portion at the inner end of said seat, said front end portion -having a needle receiving slot intersecting said seat, a cap slidably mounted on the rear end of said barrel, a holding member mounted on said cap, said barrel having a sleeve therein at the rear end thereof, said sleeve and holding member having cooperating threads,'said holding member having a beveled front face adapted to engage and center an ampule in said barrel, said holding member having a tubular bore, a plunger slidable in said bore, said plunger having a thumb engaging member on the outer end thereof, said plunger at its inner end having an external flange forming a shoulder, said holding member having a shoulder engageable by said plunger shoulder to limit outward movement of the plunger, said plunger at its inner end having a reduced shank and having a diametrically extending blade at the inner end of said shank, an ampule in said barrel, said ampule having a rubber closure at the front end thereof, said closure having an outwardly directed hemispherical seat complemental to the seat in said front end section, said closure having an outer axial recess communicating with said hemispherical recess therein and having an inner axial recess on the inner end'thereof, a diaphragm between said recesses, a needle having a spherical member thereon and engageable with said seats, the inner end of said needle being pointed and disposed in said outer closure recess, a piston closure in said ampule, said piston closure having a transverse slot therein, said piston closure slot opening rearwardly, said piston closure having a pair of opposed sector shaped slots communicating with said iirst piston closure slot, and said blade being movable axially through said transverse slot and then rotatably in said sector shaped slots.

10. A hypodermic ampule syringe including a barrel, said barrel having a longitudinal slot therein, said barrel having a front end portion thereon, said'front end portion being internally tapered and having a hemispherical, inwardly facing seat, said front portion having a cylindrical portion at the inner end of said seat, said front end portion having an outwardly opening, radially extending, needle receiving slot intersecting said seat, an ampule in said barrel, said ampule having a resilient closure at the iront end thereof, said closure having an outwardly' REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 17,906 Smith Dec. 16, 1930 1,008,078 Schroeder Nov. 7, 1911 1,747,243 Hoskins Feb. 18, 1930 1,971,687 Kratz Aug. 28, 1934 2,147,616 Chaput Feb. 14, 1939 2,228,537 Smith Jan. 14, 1941 2,244,969 Smith June 10, 1941 2,271,720 Smith Feb. 9, 1942 

